People taking part in an online auction are counting down the days to Christmas while raising money for charity.

Every day until December 23 a new item will be posted on the Swindon Women’s Aid Facebook page, and visitors to the page have all day to make their bids for each new prize until the auction closes at 10pm each evening.

The money will go towards a Christmas party for the children who will spend their Christmas in the refuge this year.

Jo Heaven, the business development manager at Swindon Women’s Aid, said: “We came into possession of an Accurist watch and bracelet set which is valuable and too expensive to just give away.

“So we thought it could provide an opportunity to try and raise some more money for the Christmas party. So we thought we’d run an auction.

“I contacted some of the local businesses and some other supporters and loads of people came forward with donations for lots to auction, and there are things from pots of jam, to a month’s membership at the De Vere, a pamper hamper and tickets to see the Robins.”

Since the auction began at the start of December interest has been growing with more and more people bidding and helping to raise cash for the charity.

Jo said: “It was slow to begin with but more and more people have started bidding.

“We have so many fantastic prizes up for auction which could make good Christmas presents.

“I just want to thank all the people who have generously donated all the prizes for the auction.”

The money raised from the auction will go towards funding the children’s party and trips next year.

Jo said: “It can be a difficult time of year for the children at the refuge and some of them might not have had the kinds of parties you might be used to so that’s why we try and put something on for them all to enjoy.

“We also try and have a few trips throughout the year for the children so they can be children, and if we raise enough the money will go towards that too.

“I just hope as many people as possible get involved to try and raise as much as we can.”

The auction is online and only those who bid under the lots on the day can take part.

To place your bids, visit www.facebook.com/SwindonWomensAid